TOA Waka Ama teams are delivering strong performances at the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, as the sport hosts its largest national championships to date.
The annual event, running from January 11 to 17, has attracted more than 4,500 paddlers from across Aotearoa, around 800 more than last year. Competitors range in age from five to 85, making the Nationals one of the biggest single sporting events held in New Zealand.
TOA Waka Ama club members have already completed several demanding days of racing, with tamariki crews showing patience and resilience through long race schedules and coming away with a number of medals.
In a message shared during the event, the club acknowledged the efforts of its young paddlers and thanked families, managers, coaches and volunteers for their ongoing support.
The club also recognised those who continue to back the programme year after year, helping ensure opportunities remain available for young paddlers to train, compete and develop at a national level.
Only a small number of races remain for TOA Waka Ama’s Intermediate and J16 boys crews before the conclusion of this year’s Nationals.
The Sprint Nationals are organised by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ and are supported by mana whenua Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā.
Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ chief executive Lara Collins said the growth of the event highlighted the strength of the sport nationwide, particularly among younger paddlers.
“This year’s Nationals are a milestone for waka ama,” Collins said. “To see an increase in paddlers from 2025, with our rangatahi numbers on the rise, shows just how powerful this sport has become for communities across Aotearoa.”
The 2026 Nationals also serve as a qualifying event for the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships later this year.
Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ has announced a new partnership with House of Travel Events to support athletes who qualify for international competition, while long-standing partner ACC is hosting the event’s whānau zone.
Racing began with nearly 900 taitamariki under the age of 10 and will conclude on Saturday with the premier women’s 500m final. Organisers expect thousands of supporters to attend across the week, following strong spectator numbers at previous championships.
For TOA Waka Ama, the Nationals continue to provide a platform for competition and development on the national stage.
